Barbara Jean Howell's Obituary
Barbara Jean Howell
1932 - 2022
Barbara Jean Howell was born on April 11th, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Raoul and Irene Whitehead. She was known as Mom to five, Grandma to 13, “GG” to 32 great-grandchildren, and Friend to all. Her greatest title in this life was that of Wife. Barbara was reunited with her sweetheart, Auburn, on Thursday, January 13th, 2022. She peacefully departed from this earth in the comfort of her own home, after battling Alzheimer’s/Dementia for many years.
Barbara was an only child, but she spent most of her childhood in Twin Falls, Idaho where she lived close to cousins, who were much like brothers and sisters. She also grew up in Provo, Utah and Pocatello, Idaho, moving many times with her parents. She loved animals and had pets throughout her life.
Barbara met Auburn Howell the summer before her senior year. They were married on September 22, 1951, and this is when her life truly began.
Barbara and Auburn lived in many places throughout their married lives including Idaho Falls, and Pocatello, Idaho; Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Northridge, and Granada Hills California; Overland Park, Kansas; and finally settled in Highland, Utah. Throughout their moves, Barbara served in many callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Barbara and Auburn also served three church missions. They served at the California State Northridge Institute, as the Senior Couple of the Los Angeles Family History Center, and in the California San Fernando Mission. She was a great example of serving others.
Barbara took on many jobs throughout her married life to help support her family. Her final job was at Farmers Insurance as an Executive Secretary, which she worked for 15 years, before retiring.
Barbara was fun to be around, always full of life and laughter. Her house was always a safe haven for her grandkids who came and stayed. She was a lifelong chocoholic and happily passed her sweet addiction down to her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
Barbara loved to travel! Especially anywhere with a beach. With her sweetheart by her side, they cruised through the Panama Canal and Alaska. They also visited Hawaii, Italy, Hong Kong, Jerusalem, and China. Barbara enjoyed 57 years with the love of her life, before he returned to Heaven in 2008.
Barbara was welcomed Home by her sweetheart, Auburn, her great-grandson, Josh, her parents, Raoul and Irene Whitehead, her dear friend, Will, and countless others. She is survived by her children: Clay Howell, Greg (Elizabeth) Howell, Kevin (Dorinda) Howell, Lesa (Kevin) King, Sandy (Larry) Abrams. Her 13 grandchildren: Theresa (CJ) Young, Stephen (Margaret) Howell, Kristine (Logan) Turner, Julie Barrett, Justin Howell, Stacy (Matt) Carroll, Christopher (Laurie) Howell, Bryan (Ricci) Howell, Brent (Alyssa) Howell, Trevor Howell, Marie (Mitchell) Barnard, Kristen (Allen) Simpson, and Lauren (Shane) Jacobson. Her adopted granddaughter, Amy. Thirty-one of her great-grandchildren. And her dog, Felix.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Church located at 11605 North 6000 West in Highland, Utah. There will be a viewing prior to services from 9:30-10:45am. Interment at the Highland City Cemetery.
To participate in the funeral services via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/94331716569?pwd=Nm9vQWhSUTMwbmIrL0Jxb25XTjdxUT09
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?

